Monday, December 10, 2012

Floating

Floating Roses print from last year was one of my favorites. I got the Winsome dress first and, after debating a lot, I added the skirt. I love them both. I usually try to choose only one item in a unique print. I find that if I buy more than one, I still end up wearing one and neglecting the others.

I wore the dress for Christmas Eve dinner last year and then for Valentines Day date (see here). I think I will wear it again this year to one of the Holiday's parties. I love the fact that the print is bright and definitely reads red but it is not a solid which makes it easier to wear it, more casual and less sexy.

I wore the skirt several times, mostly with black (see here) but I
wanted to try something different. I thought the polka dot boy shirt
will be perfect with it. Everything else stayed black to ground the two
patterns.

I was working from home that day and I wanted a casual vibe, so
I untucked and tied the shirt and wore my motorcycle Ryder boots. If I
was going to the office and wanted a more conservative look, I would tuck the shirt in and swap the Ryder
boots for black Valentinas.

I felt perfectly appropriate for dropping my daughter off at
school and running some errands in the morning.

I also tried it with a gray sweatshirt and tights for even more
casual option. This outfit was super comfortable and I actually worked in it all day at home without feeling a need to change into a pair of jeans or cords.

The weather was beautiful that day and I wanted to capture some of that afternoon sun in the pictures so I bribed my daughter into snapping some more.

I usually regret buying multiples in the same print, but this time I am glad I got both the skirt and the dress.

SKIRTING THE ISSUE Tabs and AJC I owe you both a vote of thanks! I bought the skirt for a 2011 holiday party and afterward it hung neglected in a corner of my closet, creeping ever-closer to the goodwill or consignment bag and worn begrudgingly and exclusively with black. I thought the dress version was more elegant and regretted my a-line choice. Then T. you ran it out with a herringbone jacket I happen to have and now, as EMA says, AJC, you've "casualized" it for even more everyday wear. Given I really must shop my closet these days, "changing name of the rose" and I are both grateful.

I have the skirt but I haven't worn it yet this year. I should learn from you, I love how you casualize things that are categorized as dressy. I would never have thought of wearing it with a sweatshirt! I agree on the "only one in a unique print" rule, the only exception would be a scarf or other accessory.

I seem to recall this was a very popular print. I think it is difficult to pull off short boots with a full skirt but it looks great with the dark top. I don't do floral or full skirts so this one was a non-starter for me. No surprise I'm sure. I do have multiples of a few other prints, Mila, Ellora and Jaipur paisley but none of those are floral.

I actually really like the motorcycle type boots with full skirt, I think it also helps making it less 50s and more casual, but the dark tights make it even easier on the eye.Maybe now, after that floral dress was a success at the wedding, you will warm up to more florals?